Lush and Romantic Tube Amps

@bluethinker

I have been using Carver gear for about 20 years, both his preamp from Sunfire and a Carver amp that uses trickle down tech from the legendary Lightstar design. Bob has a LOT of patents so when you hear one of his designs I find it unique. The preamp I use is solid state yet has a tube like sound signature similar to a Jeff Rowland tube design. The amp I use is a 5 channel amp at 80 watts a channel. It uses a tracking downconverter that can push those watts wherever they are needed for brief periods. Then look at the in home audition policy:

Enjoy a Carver Amplifier Challenge in your home with your speakers. If you are not in love with our product, we will refund your full purchase price with no restocking fees. Compare our performance to others. Hear the performance your speakers are truly capable of.

With the Carver Amplifier Challenge, the customer always wins

The classic (little 'c') Conrad Johnson Premiere 12s and similar.

OP and @facten

I’ve heard the Leben extensively with 86dB Harbeths and it’s a great match.

@bluethinker

If you type Carver into the search bar of the Virtual System area you will find many members with systems posted using his designs you can contact via DM. You can also see many of the professional reviews that are linked to on the Carver website.

https://www.audiogon.com/systems/9107

Bluethinker--yes, I would be a little concerned about an older CJ amplifier.  I'd probably send the unit to CJ if I got it used to have them check it out,

Another possibility is VAC.  You might like their older amps like the Renaissance 70/70.  VAC is very good about supporting their older amps, if you get one used.